scholarly journals The Impact of User Interface on Young Children’s Computational Thinking

10.28945/3768 ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
pp. 171-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Pugnali ◽  
Amanda Sullivan ◽  
Marina Umashi Bers
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Young Children ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Interpersonal Behaviors ◽  
Graphical Interfaces ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Programming Interfaces ◽  
Method Approach

Aim/Purpose: Over the past few years, new approaches to introducing young children to computational thinking have grown in popularity. This paper examines the role that user interfaces have on children’s mastery of computational thinking concepts and positive interpersonal behaviors. Background: There is a growing pressure to begin teaching computational thinking at a young age. This study explores the affordances of two very different programming interfaces for teaching computational thinking: a graphical coding application on the iPad (ScratchJr) and tangible programmable robotics kit (KIBO). Methodology : This study used a mixed-method approach to explore the learning experiences that young children have with tangible and graphical coding interfaces. A sample of children ages four to seven (N = 28) participated. Findings: Results suggest that type of user interface does have an impact on children’s learning, but is only one of many factors that affect positive academic and socio-emotional experiences. Tangible and graphical interfaces each have qualities that foster different types of learning

Computational Thinking and Young Children

2019 ◽  
pp. 877-891
Author(s):  
Amanda Sullivan ◽  
Marina Umaschi Bers
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Developmentally Appropriate ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Graphical Language ◽  
Interpersonal Behaviors ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Tablet Device ◽  
Learning Programming

Over the past few years, new approaches to introducing young children to computational thinking have grown in popularity. This chapter examines the role that user interfaces have on children's mastery of computational thinking concepts, programming ability, and positive interpersonal behaviors. It presents two technologies designed specifically for young children: the KIBO robotics kit and the ScratchJr programming application, both of which focus on teaching young children introductory computational thinking skills in a cognitively and socio-emotionally developmentally appropriate way. The KIBO robotics kit engages children in learning programming by using tangible wooden blocks (no screens or keyboards required). ScratchJr also teaches foundational programming, but using a graphical language on a tablet device. This chapter presents examples of how each tool can be used in classroom settings and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each interface style. Suggestions for implementing each technology in a developmentally appropriate way are presented.

Computational Thinking and Young Children

2018 ◽  
pp. 123-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda Sullivan ◽  
Marina Umaschi Bers
Keyword(s):  
Young Children ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Developmentally Appropriate ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Thinking Skills ◽  
Graphical Language ◽  
Interpersonal Behaviors ◽  
Potential Benefits ◽  
Tablet Device ◽  
Learning Programming

Over the past few years, new approaches to introducing young children to computational thinking have grown in popularity. This chapter examines the role that user interfaces have on children's mastery of computational thinking concepts, programming ability, and positive interpersonal behaviors. It presents two technologies designed specifically for young children: the KIBO robotics kit and the ScratchJr programming application, both of which focus on teaching young children introductory computational thinking skills in a cognitively and socio-emotionally developmentally appropriate way. The KIBO robotics kit engages children in learning programming by using tangible wooden blocks (no screens or keyboards required). ScratchJr also teaches foundational programming, but using a graphical language on a tablet device. This chapter presents examples of how each tool can be used in classroom settings and the potential benefits and drawbacks of each interface style. Suggestions for implementing each technology in a developmentally appropriate way are presented.

Engineering Slidable Graphical User Interfaces with Slime

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (EICS) ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Arthur Sluÿters ◽  
Jean Vanderdonckt ◽  
Radu-Daniel Vatavu
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Graphical User Interfaces ◽  
Domain Model ◽  
Transition Diagram ◽  
New Device ◽  
Computing Platform ◽  
Detail Design ◽  
Uml Class Diagram ◽  
The Impact

Intra-platform plasticity regularly assumes that the display of a computing platform remains fixed and rigid during interactions with the platform in contrast to reconfigurable displays, which can change form depending on the context of use. In this paper, we present a model-based approach for designing and deploying graphical user interfaces that support intra-platform plasticity for reconfigurable displays. We instantiate the model for E3Screen, a new device that expands a conventional laptop with two slidable, rotatable, and foldable lateral displays, enabling slidable user interfaces. Based on a UML class diagram as a domain model and a SCRUD list as a task model, we define an abstract user interface as interaction units with a corresponding master-detail design pattern. We then map the abstract user interface to a concrete user interface by applying rules for the reconfiguration, concrete interaction, unit allocation, and widget selection and implement it in JavaScript. In a first experiment, we determine display configurations most preferred by users, which we organize in the form of a state-transition diagram. In a second experiment, we address reconfiguration rules and widget selection rules. A third experiment provides insights into the impact of the lateral displays on a visual search task.

scholarly journals Collective Administration of Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) in the Light of the BSA Decision

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 128-147
Author(s):  
Pavel Koukal
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
User Interface ◽  
Graphical User Interface ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Copyright Protection ◽  
Legal Regulation ◽  
Graphical User Interfaces ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Collective Administration ◽  
The Impact

In this paper the author addresses the issue of collective administration of graphical user interfaces according to the impact of the CJEU decision in BSA v. Ministry of Culture on the case-law in one of EU Member states (Czech Republic). The author analyses the decision of the Czech Supreme Court where this Court concluded that visitors of Internet cafés use graphical user interface actively, which represents relevant usage of a copyrighted works within the meaning of Art. 18 the Czech Copyright Act. In this paper, attention is first paid to the definition of graphical user interface, its brief history and possible regimes of intellectual property protection. Subsequently, the author focuses on copyright protection of graphical user interfaces in the Czech law and interprets the BSA decision from the perspective of collective administration of copyright. Although the graphical user interfaces are independent objects of the copyright protection, if they are used while running the computer program the legal regulation of computer programs has priority. Based on conclusions reached by the Supreme Administrative Court of the Czech Republic in the BSA case, the author claims that collective administration of graphical user interfaces is neither reasonable nor effective.

User Interface Consistency in the DECwindows Program

1988 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 259-263
Author(s):  
Michael Good
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Major Goal ◽  
Interface Consistency ◽  
Electronic Conferencing ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Innovative Techniques ◽  
Application Programs

A major goal of the DECwindows program is to provide a consistent, state-of-the-art user interface for workstation software.1 This interface extends across operating systems and many different types of application programs. Within the DECwindows program we have addressed both the technical and organizational aspects of developing consistent user interfaces across applications. Traditional methods for developing user interface consistency, such as the use of an interface style guide and toolkit, were supplemented with more innovative techniques. An exhibition and catalog of DECwindows application designs helped to develop a DECwindows school of interface design. Electronic conferencing software played an important role in facilitating communication among DECwindows contributors throughout the company. Preliminary user interviews suggest that the DECwindows interface style gives a consistent, usable feel to Digital's workstation applications.

scholarly journals Interpretation at the Controller’s Edge: Designing Graphical User Interfaces for the digital publication of the excavations at Gabii (Italy)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Opitz ◽  
Tyler Johnson
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Archaeological Materials ◽  
Close Range ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Impact

This paper discusses the authors’ approach to designing an interface for the Gabii Project’s digital volumes that attempts to fuse elements of traditional synthetic publications and site reports with rich digital datasets. Archaeology, and classical archaeology in particular, has long engaged with questions of the formation and lived experience of towns and cities. Such studies might draw on evidence of local topography, the arrangement of the built environment, and the placement of architectural details, monuments and inscriptions (e.g. Johnson and Millett 2012). Fundamental to the continued development of these studies is the growing body of evidence emerging from new excavations. Digital techniques for recording evidence “on the ground,” notably SFM (structure from motion aka close range photogrammetry) for the creation of detailed 3D models and for scene-level modeling in 3D have advanced rapidly in recent years. These parallel developments have opened the door for approaches to the study of the creation and experience of urban space driven by a combination of scene-level reconstruction models (van Roode et al. 2012, Paliou et al. 2011, Paliou 2013) explicitly combined with detailed SFM or scanning based 3D models representing stratigraphic evidence. It is essential to understand the subtle but crucial impact of the design of the user interface on the interpretation of these models. In this paper we focus on the impact of design choices for the user interface, and make connections between design choices and the broader discourse in archaeological theory surrounding the practice of the creation and consumption of archaeological knowledge. As a case in point we take the prototype interface being developed within the Gabii Project for the publication of the Tincu House. In discussing our own evolving practices in engagement with the archaeological record created at Gabii, we highlight some of the challenges of undertaking theoretically-situated user interface design, and their implications for the publication and study of archaeological materials.

scholarly journals Interpretation at the Controller’s Edge: Designing Graphical User Interfaces for the Digital Publication of the Excavations at Gabii (Italy)

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel S. Opitz ◽  
Tyler D. Johnson
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Urban Space ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Interface Design ◽  
3D Models ◽  
Archaeological Materials ◽  
Close Range ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis paper discusses the authors’ approach to designing an interface for the Gabii Project’s digital volumes that attempts to fuse elements of traditional synthetic publications and site reports with rich digital datasets. Archaeology, and classical archaeology in particular, has long engaged with questions of the formation and lived experience of towns and cities. Such studies might draw on evidence of local topography, the arrangement of the built environment, and the placement of architectural details, monuments and inscriptions (e.g. Johnson and Millett 2012). Fundamental to the continued development of these studies is the growing body of evidence emerging from new excavations. Digital techniques for recording evidence “on the ground,” notably SFM (structure from motion aka close range photogrammetry) for the creation of detailed 3D models and for scene-level modeling in 3D have advanced rapidly in recent years. These parallel developments have opened the door for approaches to the study of the creation and experience of urban space driven by a combination of scene-level reconstruction models (van Roode et al. 2012, Paliou et al. 2011, Paliou 2013) explicitly combined with detailed SFM or scanning based 3D models representing stratigraphic evidence. It is essential to understand the subtle but crucial impact of the design of the user interface on the interpretation of these models. In this paper we focus on the impact of design choices for the user interface, and make connections between design choices and the broader discourse in archaeological theory surrounding the practice of the creation and consumption of archaeological knowledge. As a case in point we take the prototype interface being developed within the Gabii Project for the publication of the Tincu House. In discussing our own evolving practices in engagement with the archaeological record created at Gabii, we highlight some of the challenges of undertaking theoretically-situated user interface design, and their implications for the publication and study of archaeological materials.

scholarly journals An Exploration of the Role of Visual Programming Tools in the Development of Young Children’s Computational Thinking

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. pp297-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Rose ◽  
M. P. Jacob Habgood ◽  
Tim Jay
Keyword(s):  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Visual Programming ◽  
Verbal Reasoning ◽  
Programming Tools ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Program Manipulation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Programming Interfaces ◽  
Programming Interface

Programming tools are being used in education to teach computer science to children as young as 5 years old. This research aims to explore young children’s approaches to programming in two tools with contrasting programming interfaces, ScratchJr and Lightbot, and considers the impact of programming approaches on developing computational thinking. A study was conducted using two versions of a Lightbot-style game, either using a ScratchJr-like or Lightbot style programming interface. A test of non-verbal reasoning was used to perform a matched assignment of 40, 6 and 7-year-olds to the two conditions. Each child then played their version of the game for 30 minutes. The results showed that both groups had similar overall performance, but as expected, the children using the ScratchJr-like interface performed more program manipulation or ‘tinkering’. The most interesting finding was that non-verbal reasoning was a predictor of program manipulation, but only for the ScratchJr-like condition. Children approached the ScratchJr-like program differently depending on prior ability. More research is required to establish how children use programming tools and how these approaches influence computational thinking.

scholarly journals User Interfaces

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Bueno Unzeta ◽  
Jan de Boer ◽  
Ruben Delvaeye ◽  
Nikodem Dernegowski ◽  
Bertrand Deroisy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
User Interface ◽  
User Interfaces ◽  
Interface Elements ◽  
Individual User ◽  
Save Energy ◽  
The Impact

This report shows, that the impact of a good User Interfaces (UI) is not only affecting the usability and comfort for the user, but is also a major key to save energy. At least as important for effectiveness to the quality of individual interfaces is consistency in the meaning of individual user interface elements (visual, conceptual, auditory, etc.)

scholarly journals The Impact of Coding Apps to Support Young Children in Computational Thinking and Computational Fluency. A Literature Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stamatis Papadakis
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Literature Review ◽  
Emotional Development ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Computational Thinking ◽  
Computational Fluency ◽  
The Media ◽  
Problem Solving Process ◽  
The Impact

Data that shows that young children can learn and acquire Computational Thinking (CT) skills has led governments and policymakers internationally to integrate CT into the curriculum, starting in the earliest grades. Researchers support the idea that this introduction must not solely focus on a problem-solving process skill (CT) but instead provide children with new ways to express themselves, supporting their cognitive, language, and socio-emotional development (Computational Fluency-CF). Coupled with the media and government’s rhetoric and an increasing number of apps offering various programming lessons, puzzles, and challenges, educators have been responsible for introducing young children to CT and CF using touchscreen technology. This paper presents a literature review (N = 21) of empirical studies on applying four coding apps to support young children’s learning of CT and CF. The main conclusion is that all apps positively affect the development of children’s CT skills. None of the apps can ultimately support the development of CF, although ScratchJr, with a “sandbox” approach, can better help students express themselves.

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